Printing press and sheet-controlling mechanism therefor



July1, 1941. M TON 2,248,004

PRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-CONTROLLING MECHANISM THEREFOR ATToRNEY` M. LIPTON July l, 1941.

PRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-CONTROLLING MECHANISMTHEREFOR Filed Jan. 10, l 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR l Lam BY ATTORN EYS' M. LxPToN July 1, 1941.

PRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-CONTROLLING `MECHANISM THEREFOR Ffiled Jn. l0. 1939 8 SheeLs-Sheetl 3 INVENTOR wwafpw ATTORNEYxS1 July 1, 1941. M LIP-[ON 2,248,004

PRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-'CONTROLLING MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Jan. l0, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 ma r\ INVENTOR Yf, A

wwgahgwae ATTORN EYJ' M. LIPTON 2,248,004 PRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-CONTROLLING MECHANISM THEREFOR July 1, 1941.`

1o, 1939l 8 sheets-sheet File'd Jan.

INVENTOR ATTORNEYJ e sheets-sheet e l INVENTOR ,'mrlz M l ATTOR EYJ `uly 1, 1941. M. LxP'roN YRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-CONTROLLING MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Jan. lO, 1959 July 1, 1941. M. LIPTON 2,248,004

FRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-CONTROLLINGUMECHANISM TIEREFOR Filed Jn. 1o, 1959 s sheets-sheet fr ATTO RNEY" July 1, 1941. 2,248,004

PRINTING PRESS AND sHEET-,coNTRoLLNG MECHANISM THEREFOR M. LIPTON Filed Jan. 10, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 WNN v E www. l;

ATTORNEYS Patente-cl July 1, 1941 PRINTING PRESS AND SHEET-CONTROL- LING IMECHANISll/I` THEREFOR Morris Lipton, Rutherford, N. J., assignor to'General Printing Ink Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application January 10, 1939, Serial No. 250,115

17 Claims.

My invention relates to a printing press and, further, the invention relates to sheet-controlling mechanism for a printing press or the like.

In accordance with my invention, a novel mechanism is provided for controlling the application of a dampening medium to the printing press cylinder assembly.

My invention has further reference to novel mechanism for feeding sheets along a path and, in addition, the invention relates to novel arrangements for adjusting the position of sheets transversely of said path as they are moved therealong by the feeding mechanism.

My invention resides in the printing press features, sheet-controlling mechanism, combinations and arrangements of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

For an understanding of my invention and for an illustration of some of the many forms thereof, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing a printing press and associated sheet-controlling mechanism as constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, showing features of my novel sheet-feeding mechanism;

Fig. 2a. is a longitudinal vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, showing a part of the mechanism of Fig. 2;

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, taken approximately on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3a is a vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, taken on the line 3ft-3a of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3b is an elevational view, partly in section, showing one of the pusher finger assemblies;

Fig. 4 is a plan view, partly in section, showing apparatus at and adjacent the discharge zone of the sheet-feeding mechanism;

Fig. 4a is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, taken on the line IIa-4a of Fig. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing apparatus at and adjacent the entrance zone of the sheet-feeding mechanism;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view showing a driving connection for the side gauges;

Fig. 7 is a plan view, partly broken away, showing a form of a side gauge;

Fig. 7a is an enlarged, vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, showing a part of the side gauge illustrated in Fig. 7;

CII

Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating control means for the side gauges;

Fig. 9 is a Vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, and is taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a plan View illustrating side gauges of another form;

Fig. 1l is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing the mechanism of Fig. 10;

Fig. 11a is a transverse, vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, taken on either of the lines IIa/-I Ia of Fig. 11.

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing mechanism for controlling the application of a dampening medium to the printing press cylinder assembly;

Fig. 12a is a transverse vertical sectional View,

partly in elevation, taken on the line IE-IZa of Fig. 12;

Fig. 13 is an elevational View, partly in section, showing a part of the mechanism of Figs. 12 and'12a;

Fig. 14 is a plan View, partly in section, showing a part of the mechanism of Figs. 12 and 12a; and

Fig. 15 is a plan View, partly in section, showing apart of the control mechanism of Figs. 12 and 12a.

,Referring to Fig. 1, B represents a base adaptedto rest upon the floor or other suitable supporting surface. Upstanding from the base B are a plurality of spaced side frames I which extend longitudinally of said base B and are suitably secured thereto.

At one side of the base B, an upstanding bearing bracket 2, Fig. 4, is suitably secured thereto, this bearing bracket 2 having journaled therein a horizontal shaft 3 to which is secured for rotatable movement therewith a gear wheel 4, a pulley 5 and a hand wheel 5a, Fig. l, the latter serving in the usual manner as a iiy wheel and for manual control purposes when placing the printing press in condition for operation. The pulley 5 is driven by a belt operated by any suitable source of power, not shown, and the gear wheel II meshes with and drives a gear wheel 'I fixed to one end of a horizontal shaft 8, Figs.` 1 and 4, extending transversely with respect to the base B and journaled in bearing brackets 9 upstanding therefrom.

Secured to the shaft 8, Figs. l and 4, is a gear Wheel I0 which meshes with and drives a gear wheel II rotatable on a horizontal stub shaft I2 projecting inwardly from one of the side frames I3 for the printing press P, the side frames I3 being disposed in alinement with the respective The gear wheel II meshes with said side frames I3.

Although not illustrated in detail herein, it is to be understood that the printing press P may be of any conventional type, -said press P, in the example shown although not necessarily, being an offset press. 'Ihat is, the rubber blanket on l the cylinder Il successively receives linked impressions from another cylinder, not shown, and l transfers these impressions in succession to the respective sheets of material as they are passed in timed relation and in succession from right to f left, Fig. l, between the cylinders I5 and VII..

`-By the train of gear connections described above, power is transmitted from the pulleyf5'to the-gear Wheel I-I which, irl-turn,'deliversipovverV l to the various power-receivingv parts'of theprintf ing press.- f

TheA impression cylinder I5, as Aitrotates,"by

j suitableconventional means, not-shown, vcauses oscillation of its transverse shaft I5a whereby Athe l gripper lingers |51; thereon are closed in timed rej lation to grip a sheet passed thereto by-y the hereinafter described sheet-feeding mechanismysaid gripper fingers |512y being subsequently opened when the sheet is to be released. f

The hereinbefore described' side frames VI :are

'secured in spaced, frame-forming Yrelationby i suitable means which includes a plurality ofv tie rods 29 horizontallyxedin said side frames I, Figs. 4 and 5. Journaled in said side frames I suitably secured'inxed position to an adjacentv pair of the aforesaid tie rods'20. Each of these 1 bearing supports comprises a pair of horizontally extending arms 22a. l'

are a plurality of horizontal shafts 2 I, Y2ML-and 2lb utilizable as hereinafterdescribed. lrAs shownin Fig. 4, a pair of v spaced bearing supports V22v are Journaled in the arms 22a'and in that iside 1 frame I toward the left, Fig. 4, isa horizontal shaft -23.

Freely rotatable on .the shaft ".23 vis va v gether with its web section 34a and the casing Y member 35 together With' its Web section 35a form a tight housing enclosing the gear Wheels 29, 30, 3l and 32, this housing being thus provided so that a supply of grease may be disposed therein for lubricating purposes.

Secured to housing 34 for rotatable movement therewith is a worm gear 31 which is'disposed immediately adjacent the exterior face of the ring gear 34, Fig. 4. Meshing with the worm gear 3I is a worm 33 secured to one end of a shaft 39 for rotatable movement therewith, the shaft 39 being mounted in spaced bearings 43 secured to ,theeinterior surface of the adjacent side frame I. The shaft'39, at its end removed from the worm 38,'hasa Worm 43 and a gear wheel 42 secured thereto for rotatable movement therewith. -The Worm 43 meshes with a Worm wheel 4I secured to and rotatable with one end ofthe aforesaid shaft 2| which, at its other end, has secured thereto a gear wheel 44 Which-meshes with a gear wheel 45 rotatableV on a stubshaiit 43-horizontally disposed in-thefadjacent side frame Ii` the shaft 46, exteriorlygof said ylast"v namedside frame I, carrying a dial lll-With Which coacts a--xed point- The aforesaid gear wheel 42'meshes witha gear wheel 49 secured to and rotatableA with"one'end of the aforesaid shaft 2 Ia Which, at its other.. end, carries a hand wheel 59 disposed exteriorly of the adjacent side frame I. j r

A Referring to-Fig. 4the aforesaid shaft 23 has secured thereto forrotatable movement therewith a pair of spaced gear wheels', 5I, 5I@ which.

are disposed between the respective pairs 'of arms 22a. l The gear Wheels -5I; 5Iaare'disposedin meshing relation with a second pair-of spaced gear wheels 5-2, 52a-secured toiandi'rotatable with v K the respectiveshafts 53 Which are journaled at 3 sprocket wheel y24 driven by'an endless sprocket chain 25 driven, in turn, by a sprocket wheel 26 rotatable on the aforesaid stub shaft I2 rand suitably secured t'o the gear wheel I'I for rotatable i movement therewith.

- Suitably secured to the sprocket wheel 24; ras by l screwsZ'I, Fig'. 4, is a disk 28 freely'rotatable on Said Shaft 23. Adjacent the disk 2s, the Sharma i has a gear Wheel 29 secured thereto for rotatable I movement therewith, Fig. 4a, the gear wheel 29 1 meshing with three outer gear Wheels 30, 3| and- 32 rotatable on the respective stub shaftsA v3Y3,`the

stub shafts 33 being secured to the aforesaid disk p #118 and projecting horizontally therefrom.` As clearly appears from Fig. 4a, the stub shafts 33 2 are disposed circumferentially around the shaft 23 and are spaced one hundred and twenty Ydegrees apart. The gear wheels 3U, 3I- and 32 also v l mesh with the internal threads on'a ring 4gear l34 j having a web section 34a terminating in: ahub secured to the hub of the aforesaid gear wheel The ring gear 34 has la casing member 35 suitably secured thereto, as by the bolts 36, Fig.

4, .this casing member 35 having a web section' 35a terminatingv in a hub mounted on and movableWith respect to the hub of the aforesaid disk i 23. Assindicated'in'Fig. 4, the ring gear' 34to from the printing press P are a plurality `of bearing membersI 55, 55a, Fig. 5, in which a horizontal shaft 56 is journaled. This shaft 5S carries a pair of spaced sprocket Wheels 571; 51a disposed in longitudinal alinementwith the respective sprocket wheels 54, 54a. above described.

The sets of longitudinally alined sprocket wheels 54,751 and 54a, 51a receivethe respective endless sprocket chains 58, 58a, the two chains being disposed in parallel relation and the upper spans thereof being horizontally'alined for the purpose hereinafter described. 'y

Each sprocket chain carries a pair of bracket arms 59 spaced from each other by* equal sprocket chain lengths, said bracket arms 59 be-V ing suitably secured to the respective sprocket chains by the respective bolts 69, Fig. 3. `The bracket arms 59 are alined in pairs transversely and each of said bracket arms .'ircarries `a horizontally extending bolt 6I,ea,ch bolt 6I, serving as a support fora roller 62. Further, each bolt of each pair of transversely alined bolts 6I supportsv a laterally extending arm 63a vof'a horiremoved from said printing press P. The blocks 64 and 65 are alined in pairs longitudinally of the sheet-feeding mechanism.

Secured by bolts 66 to the upper outside section of the block 54 and by bolts 61 to the upper outside section of the block 65 is a supporting bar E3 which extends longitudinally of the sheetfeeding mechanism and serves as a support for the upper horizontal span of the sprocket chain 58. The upper horizontal span of the sprocket chain 58a is similarly supported by duplicate members to which corresponding reference numerals have been applied with the reference letter a added in each instance.

Secured by bolts 69 to the lower section of the block 64 and by bolts 10 to the lower section of the block 65 is an angle member 'H which extends longitudinally of the sheet-feeding mechanism and has secured to the lower surface thereof a supporting bar 12 for the lower horizontal span of the sprocket chain 58. The lower horizontal span of the sprocket chain 58a is similarly supported by duplicate members to which corresponding reference numerals have been applied with the reference letter a added in each instance.

Secured by bolts 'i3 to the upper inside section of the block 54 and by bolts M to the upper inside section of Jhe block 65 is a member 'l5 having an angle section with which the rollers G2 carried by the chain 58 are adapted to engage. Similarly, the rollers 62 carried by the chain 58a are adapted to engage a correspondincr angle section supported in a corresponding manner, the members last noted having applied thereto corresponding reference numerals with the reference letter a added in each instance.

Extending longitudinally of the machine is a web member 'i6 which, as shown in Fig. 3, is disposed in a vertical plane. the drawings, all of the tie rods 2Q and the shafts 23, 2l, 2la, 56 extend through this web member '115. As illustrated in Figs. 3 andfl, said web member 16 may comprise hubs 76a through which two or more of the Itie members 20 extend, respectively, these hubs and tie members being pinned or otherwise suitably secured together as shown.

suitably secured to each cross bar 63, as by a bolt '51, Figs. 3 and 3a, is a bracket member 18 which, at its lower end, carries a pivoted lever 19. Secured to one end of the lever 19 is a member 85 which is disposed loosely in spaced bearing sections formed in an ups'tanding section of said bracket member 18. A nut member 8`] prevents casual disengagement of the member 8i) from said bearing sections and maintains under compression a helical spring 82 which is disposed around said member 80, this spring 82 constantly biasing the other end of the lever 'I9 toward the cross bar 63. The last named end of each lever 'I9 carries a freely rotatable roller 83 which is adapted toengage a laterally extending section 'lh of the web '16, this section '15b extending substantially throughout the entire length of said web member 'I6 at the upper surface thereof, Fig. 2a.

Suitably secured to each cross bar 63, as by the bolts 84, Fig. 3, is an inclined member 85 terminating in a hub which supports a horizontally disposed axle 86 upon which a roller 81 is freely rotatable, this roller 87 being utilizable as hereinafter described.

As clearly shown in Figs. 2a and 3, the aforesaid web member 'i6 is shaped to form a groove As indicated on 16e which extends around the ends thereof and along the lower surface thereof. This groove 16e is traversed in procession by the above described rollers 81 and these rollers, just after they leave said groove 16o at the exit end 16d thereof, Fig. 2a, pass downwardly over an inclined section 16e whereby a tilting action is imparted to the cross bars 63 in succession. This is a feature of the invention which will subsequently be described in a detailed manner. The above described web member 16, at the upper surface thereof and approximately midway between the ends thereof, carries a mem.- ber 88 which extends longitudinally thereof, Fig. 2, the upper surface of this member B8, at the end thereof toward the printing press, comprising an upwardly inclined section 88a, a substantially horizontal section 88o and a downwardly inclined section Sc. In accordance with the invention, the member 88 is adapted for adjustment longitudinally with respect to the web member 'It and, to this end, said member 8G may be movable freely'along a channel formed by a surface of the web member TS and an adjacentl angle member 89 secured to said web member 16 by bolts 90, Fig. 3. In order to effect positive adjustment of the member B8, the lower surface thereof may be formed with rack teeth with which mesh a gear wheel 9! secured to and rotatable with the above described shaft 2l.

In accordance with the invention and as shown particularly in Fig. 3h, each cross bar 63 carries sheet feeding means which, as herein illustrated, is exemplified by a pair of spaced pusher finger assemblies. Each of the assemblies comprises a bracket S2 having a channel section withiny which the associated bar S3 is received, each bracket 92 being retained by a set screw 93 in a desiredv adjusted position longitudinally of said bar 63. Further, each bracket 92 comprises a pair of upstanding arms through which exten-ds a pin 9d on which is freely pivoted a member 95 having secured thereto as b-y rivets, or equivalent, a finger or finger plate 96. Pivoted to the member S5 is a rod 91 which extends freely through a passage formed in an extension g2b of the bracket 92. The rod 91 carries a helical spring 98 which is confined between said extension 92h and a nut 99 threaded to the end of said rod 91 whereby the finger 95 is biased in a clockwise direction, Fig. 3b.

As indicated in Fig. 2, a member mi) extends transversely between the side frames l at the ends thereof remote from the printing cylinders. This member HBG is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to said side frames I and it serves as a brace with respect thereto. In addition, the member ISO serves as a support for the adjacent ends of a plurality of slats IUI which extend longitudinally of the machine and terminate immediately adjacent the entrance to the printing zone as defined by the impression cylinder I5 and blanket cylinder 1?,.said slats HH being suitably supported adjacent said zone as, for eX- aniple, by a member |92 which extends transversely between the aforesaid side frames i3 and is suitably secured in fixed position, Fig. 10.

For preliminary feeding of individual sheets S of material. along the slats IDI toward the printing zone, there may be utilized an arrangement of any suitable character. Thus, as herein shown in Figs. l, 2 and 5, the aforesaid shafts 56 and Bib have the respective sprocket wheels H33 and it secured thereto for rotatable movement therewith,;these sprocketY wheels carrying the. sprocket |65 being confined in its proper position bythe hub of ar sprocket wheel A|61 and acollar Ifi se-l l curedto saidr shaft 2 lb. Formed integrally withv each hub ,iiare a pairgof. angularly related arms E636-, Fig. 5, the sets of arms being disposed in ValinementV transversely of the machine.

Each arm |69 terminates in ahub |||1 which forms a bearing forza shaft and-each shaft il at the respective .opposite ends thereof, carriesa magnetic feed roller ||2 and a sprocket wheel 1| i3. The sprocket wheels H3 are disposed infalinement longitudinally ofthe machine with the respectivesprocket wheels |61, and asprocket chainil i4 is trained` over each set of longitudinally alined sprocket wheels |'|.and H3.

The `arm |69 'may be bifurcated as shown at the left of Fig. 5 for the reception of Va pin which supports a roller ||5. Coactable with the roller H5 is a cam H8, that cam H5 being fixed to and movable with a shaft |l mounted for oscillatory movement in 'the side frames The shaft has secured vthereto for oscillatory movement therewith aV pair of spaced collars H8 and each,

collar H3 carries an arcuate nger H9, these fingers if@ being disposed in alinement, longitudinally of the machine, and beneath the aforesaid magnetic feed rollers |2, respectively.

Secured to the shaft |41 for oscillatory move` ment therewith is a downwardly extending lever arm |26, Fig. 2, to the lower en-d of which is piv-` oted one end of a link |2| pivoted at its other endl to the upper end of an arm |22, the lower end'of which is pivoted to a bracket |23 secured to the aforesaid base B. The arm |22 supports a roller 12d which coacts with a cam |25 secured to and rotatable with the aforesaid shaft 8. The

roller |24 should be biased against the cam |25v and, to this end, one end of a spring |26 may be secured to the aforesaid arm |26, the other end of this spring being suitably anchored so Ythat the arm |26 is biased in a clockwise direction, Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. vl, the hereinbefore described base B is shown as comprising a pair of spaced extensions b Vwhich support the respective stand-v ards |28, the latter, in turn, supporting the vertically adjustable brackets |29 which are adapted the respective sprocket chains `5,8, 58aby theisets of gearzwheelsf5|52 and 5|a, 52.1.5 p; p

As the sprocket. chains.58, 58a move as described, Vthe upper spans thereof rest upon and arejrestrained from sagging movement by the respective supporting bars 68, 66a, Fig. 3. Simi- 1ar1y,-,the-lower spans of the respective sprocket chains 58, 58a, as.l they move from leftto right, Fig. 2, are supported by and are restrained from sagging movement by the respective supporting bars 12, 12a, Fig.v3.

lThe rollers 62 which were described Yas secured to the respective sprocket chains 58,.'58a coact with and ride beneath therespective angle members 15 as the upper sprocket chain spans move from right to left, 2. In this way, the chains 58, 58a are prevented fromV vibrating or movingy upwardly in an undesired' manner.

- 'eI'he roller 81 of each cross bar 63, asit moves throughy its cycle,.engages in succession the inclined section 16e of the web member 16 and the inclined sections 88a, 88h, 86o of the member 88, said roller 8'! thereafter completing its cycle by traversing thegroove |60 of the web member '|6. The'rollers 83 move with their respective cross bars 63 as the latter pass from right to left, Fig. 2.

'50 to detachably support a platform |36 carrying a` other suitable manner to the entrance zone of the sheet-feeding mechanism.

The operation of the sheet-feeding mechanism v is as follows: Y

As hereinbefore pointed out, power is applied to the pulley 5 to operate the gear wheel and, l

as stated, the sprocket wheel 26 is secured to said gear wheel Ii for rotatable movement therewith. The sprocket wheel 25 operates the sprocket chain 25 an-d theY latter, in turn, effects rotation of the 'sprocket wheel v2t and the disk 2S. The

latter rotates the gear wheels 3D, 3| and 32 which,

right to left, Fig. 2, such power being supplied to In so doing, these rollers coact with and ride beneath the above described lateral extending section 76h of the web member 76. As a result, the

Y cross bars 63 are prevented from tilting in an unintended manner when the sheets S are fed toward the printing Zone.

The hereinbefore described -shaft 56 receives power from the sprocket chains 58, 58a and this shaft 56, in turn and by the sprocket chain |95, delivers power to the shaft 2|b. The shaft 2lb rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 2, and, by the sprocket chains IM, causes the respective magnetic feed rollers ||2 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 2'.

'I'ne`hereinbefore described shaft V| Il is periodically oscillated under the control of cam |25 and the associated connections. AS a result, the iingers ||6 are periodically velevated until their upper ends are slightly above the upper surface of the slats |0|. Likewise, under the control of the shaft the magnetic feed rollers |,2 are oscillated so that for an interval, the upper surface of each feed roller |2 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the slats I ill, Fig. 2, while for another interval, the upper surface` of said feed rollers ||2 are below said upper surface of the slats |0`|. Y

Assuming that the fingers ||6 are in elevated position, the operator removes the topmost sheet S from the `stack of sheetsv shown in Fig. 1 and manually positions the same on the slats IBI, at the entrance zone thereof, with theY forward edge of 'said sheet S in engagement'with the fingers latter is moved in a direction from right to left,

Fig; 2, along the slats I0 c Just as or soon after the feed rollers |2 have completed the movement. of the sheet'S toward the left, Fig. 2, the fingers 96 ofthe respective pusher assemblies engage the rear edge of said sheet S and initiate further movement thereof toward the printing zone. Just as the fingers 96 thus engage the sheet S, the roller B'I engages the inclined section 16e of the web member 'I6 with the result that the cross bar 63 is tilted slightly toward the stack of sheets at the rear of the machine. Accordingly, the shock resulting from engagement of the fingers with the sheet S is decreased. This is desirable because, during high,-

speed operation, sudden impact on the rear edge of the sheet is apt to produce some undesired lateral movement thereof.

The upper spans of the sprocket chains 58, 53a

move continuously from right to left, Fig. 2', and,

therefore, under the control of the fingers 96, the sheet S is advanced along the slats IOI toward the printing zone.

The impression cylinder I5, of course, rotates continuously. The timing is such that the gripper fingers I5b of this impression cylinder are open and in a position to receive theforward edge of the sheet S as the latter is delivered into the printing Zone. Just as said forward edge of the sheet S thus comes adjacent the fingers I5b,

the aforesaid roller 81 engages the inclined section 89u of the member 88 with the result that the cross bar 53 is tilted slightly toward the printing press P. Accordingly, the speed of the sheet S is accelerated momentarily and, there fore, quickly advanced sothat the front edge thereof comes into engagement with the usual stop members, not shown, carried by the impression cylinder i5. As these stop members are thus engaged by the sheet S, the nger S of each I pusher mechanism moves clockwise, Fig. 2, against the associated spring 98, the springs 98 being provided to compensate for such slight differences as may occur with respect to the lengths of individual sheets. 81 comes into engagement with the horizontal section 88h of the member 88 with the result that the cross bar 63 resumes its normal position. At this time, the sheet S is being drawn by the irnpression cylinder I5 and pushed by the ngers i' 96. This action continues until at about the time that the printing operation starts whereupon the roller 8'I passes downwardly along the inclined section 83e of said member 88 with the result that the cross bar E3 is tilted slightly toward the rear of the machine. As a result, the sheet S, now entirely Linder the control of the impression cylinder I5, is drawn away from the fingers 95.

As the cross bar assembly continues its jcurney, the roller 3l associated therewith enters and passes through the groove o, the wall surfaces of `which exert a steadying effect on said cross bar assembly.

As hereinbefore stated, the sprocket chains 59, 58a carry a pair cf the cross bar assemblies which are equally spaced from each other. As soon as one pusher bar assembly has completed its intended function of delivering a sheet S to the printing cylinders, the other pusher bar assembly is approaching the feed rollers IIZ from which it removes the next sheet S and feeds the same to the printing Zone in the manner hereinbefore described. Thus, the sheets are delivered in succession to the printing press P.

It will be understood that, when the sheetfeeding mechanism operates as described above, all of the sheets S are necessarily of substan tially the same length. This follows because the distance between the cam sections 88a, 88o and Soon thereafter, the roller `different length as desired.

88e o f the member 83 and the entrance to the printing cylinders I5, Il' remains constant, and the same is true with respect to the distance between the point at which the fingers 95 become disengaged from the rear surface of each sheet S and said entrance to the printing cylinders I5, I1. In accordance with my invention, by a simple manual operation, the mechanism may be adjusted so that sheets of different lengths may be fed to the printing cylinders.

To this end, if sheets S of a longer length are to be fed by the pusher assemblies, the operator may rotate the hand wheel 5i) in the proper direction whereby the shaft 2id., through the gear wheels #i9 and 42, effects rotation of the hereinbefore described shaft 39.

As one result of this operation, the shaft ZI is rotated by virtue of the driving connection afforded by the worm 43 and worm wheel 4|. The shaft 2I carries the hereinb-efore described gear wheel 9i, Fig. 2, which meshes with the rack teeth on the member `i and, when this gear wheel 9i is rotated in a clockwise direction, Fig. 2, the member 88 is moved' from left to right, 1Eig. 2. Accordingly, the position of the inclined sections 33e, 83h and 83o of said member 36 is changed so that they perform their described functions a longer' distance from the entrance to the printing cylinders I5, I'I than was the case with the arrangement previously described.

As another result of this operation, the shaft 39, by the worm 38 and worm gear 9T, causes rotation of the shaft Z3 whereby a step of rotative movement is imparted to the sprocket chains 5%, 59a. In so doing, the upper cross bar '63 is moved from left to right, Fig. 2, the same distance that the member was lmoved. in the same direction as described above. Obviously, the lower cross bar 53, in response to the above noted rotative movement of the sprocket chains 58. 58a is moved a corresponding distance from right to left, Fig. n. The sprocket chains 55, 58a are timed with the printing press cylinders and, therefore, it is necessary to adjust the position of said sprocket chains in the manner described when sheets S of longer length are to be fed by the pusher assemblies.

It will be understood, if sheets S of a shorter length are to be fed by the pusher assemblies, the operator merely rotates the hand wheel 5 in a direction the reverse of that described above.

When the shaft 23 is rotated under control of the hand wheel 59 as described above, the gear wheel 29 coacts with and moves the gear wheels 39, di and 32 with respect to the ring gear 34, Fig. 4a. This action has no effect on the power transmitting mechanism.

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, it follows that the operator, by consulting the previously calibrated dial li'I and adjusting the same with respect to the pointer 43, may shift the sheetfeeding mechanism so that it will feed sheets of In a highly irnportant sense, this adjusting operation may be performed while the printing press, the sheetfeeding mechanism and associated parts are operating at full or fractional speed. Accordingly, by my invention, a shut-down is not required when the printing operation is to be effected on sheets of different sizes. Time and labor are thereby saved.

It is well known in the art that the sheets S should follow the same identical course as they pass between the impression cylinder I'I Vand the blanket cylinder l of the printing press Pg. The hereinbefore described pusher-y iingers 95 cause the sheets S to follow a course which is approximately correct while they are passing toward said printing cylinders. However, in order that said sheets S may be located precisely on the int-ended course just prior tothe time that they enter between the printing cylinders, I have provided a novel form of side gauge mechanism of the character hereinafter described.

Thus, by reference to Figs. 4 and 9, a bar 53|,

.positioned adjacent the printing cylinders, is

carriage |35, as bythe bolts |35'. Each carriage |35 has `a casing |31 suit-ably vsecured thereto, as by the bolts |38, the casings |31 -being disposed in facing relation transversely of the machine, Fig 4 i,

Threaded intothe opposite ends of each casing |31 are the respective sleeve nuts |39,- |4|l pro-` vided, respectively, with longitudinally alined passages through which a slide member |4-| freely extends, said slide member |4| comprising a disk |42 disposed within the Vassociated casing |31.

Each slide member |4| has a helical spring |43 disposed therearound, one end of this helical spring |43 engaging the inner end of the Sleeve nut |39 and theother end of said helical spring |43engaging one face of the disk |42.

Exteriorly of the casing |31, the slide member |4| has a lock nut |44 threaded thereto, this lock' nut, in the manner hereinafter described, being adapted to coact with the adjacent face of the sleeve nut |40. Y

Secured to the inner free end of `each slide member |4| is an angle member |45,Figs. 3 and 7a,` each angle member |45 carrying a platel |45, the lower end vvof which is slidablev on a rod |41 fixed to and projecting horizontally from the associated carriage |35. The horizontal arm of each angle memberf|45 carries a side gauge roller |48, Fig. 3b, and a guide member |49, this roller and guide member being secured in assembled relation by a bolt |5|l. 3

As Aclearly shownfin Fig. 4, a pair ,of side-byside, Ahorizontally disposed rods |5|, |52, are mounted for lfree slidable'movement in the aforesaid `side frames I3. That'carriage |31 at the right, Fig. 4, comprises a sleeve extension |31a` which is suitably secured to the rod |5l, Fig. 9, as by a screw |5,|`a. VIn generally the same manner, that carriage |31 at the left, Fig. 4, comprises a sleeve extension |3117 which is suitably secured to the rod |52, Fig. 9, asby a screw |52a'.

As illustrated in Figs. V4. and '1, `a collar |53 is suitably secured to the'rod 5| and a helical spring |54 encircling said rod |5| is .disposed between :this .collar .|53.and5an abutment |53a up-` spring |56 encircling said rod |52 is'disposed be-` tween this collar |55 andan abutment |55a corresponding with the aforesaid abutment |530! exterior tothe face of the adjacent sleeve extension Referring toFi'g. 4, the above described shaft 8 is shown as extending beyond that side frame at-the right and as having a cam member I 51 secured thereto for rotatable movement ltherewith. Coactable with this cam member |51 is a roller 15S-rotatably secured to one side of a lever |59 terminating in a'sleeve extensionv |59 jourvnaled'for free oscillatory movement on a stub shaft- 5 carried bya bracket IGZ-suitably secured tothe exteriorface of the adjacent side frame Figs.4and6.

The lever |59 terminates in a rack'segm'ent |63 disposed iii-meshing relation withrespect to a 'gear wheel v'H54' secured to and oscillatory with a verticalrshaft '|65 journaled in bearings formed.

in brackets |56 suitably secured tothe exterior` face of the adjacent side frame I3.

Above the upper bracket |55, the shaft has secured thereto for oscillatory-movement therev'with Ialhub |61 which, preferably, forms "an integralpart of a frame |58 on which a block |69 is horizontally adjustable under the .controlof a screw^|1ll journaled in a section of said frame |68; the frame |58 and the block v|69 being main- `tai'nable-Jin fixed position with respect toeach other .by a locking screw 11|". Upstanding vfrom .the blocky |69 area pair of spaced, vertical stub vshafts `|121on which the Arespective rollers |13, '|14arejournaled.- The rollerl |13V is coactable withamember |15 secured to, projecting laterally from, and ymovable `with the aforesaid rod |5|. The roller |14 is coactable with the inner surface of "anarcuate member |15 securedto and'movable'withthe aforesaid` rod |52;

lnfview .off the rdescription stated above, it will be clear that the screwsY |5|a, |52a showny in Fig29 as coacting with the respective rods |5I, |52holdthe two'casings'i31 in facing relation at .the respective opposite sides vof the Vsheet-feeding mechanism. rThese two casings and the associatedmechanism are of Yduplicate.construction and; accordingly, it follows that either side of l said :sheet-feeding mechanism has associated therewith a side gauge which is similar to the sidefgaugei on the other side of the machine. f

During operation of `the vprinting `press P, the shaftzS rotates continuously and, in so doing, the-cam |51 oscillates the "arml59 whereby, through the` described gear arrangement, the vertical shaft |55 and the frame |58 are oscillated. It Vwill beiunderstood that the cam- |51 rotates once for each cycle of operation of the printing press P and that the cam is correctly timed with respect to vsaid cycle. f Y f When the high sectionof the cam |51 `is in Y engagement with theroller |58, the casings |31 are so positioned that they are most closely ad.-

jacent each other. At this time, by manipulationv gauging position. Then, by manipulation of the respective sleevenuts |49, the rollers. |43 may be set precisely in the desired gauging position, this being determined, of course, by the width of the sheets S which are to be passed to the printing press P by the sheet-feeding mechanism.

YIn accordance with the invention and as more fully hereinafter described, the'screws |13 and |1| ar-e adapted to maintain the block |69 in either of two positions, Figs. 7 and 8, with respect to' the frame |69.

In both positions, however,v

the rollers |13, |14 are offset in a corresponding manner on the respective opposite sides of the vertical shaft |55.

Referring to Fig. '7, the vertical shaft |65, under the influence of the high section of the cam |51, has just completed movement of the block |59 in a counter-clockwise direction with the result that the rod I 5I has been moved from left to right and the rod |52 had been moved from right to left to thereby bring the gauging rollers |48 to their most advanced positions toward each other. This movement is timed to occur as a sheet S is passing along the slats IOI and while said sheet is between said rollers. Accordingly, if the sheet S is misplaced from the course which it should take while passing through the printing press P, one roller |48 or the other engages the side of the sheet and properly positions the same.

Therefore, with the parts positioned as shown in Fig 7, the low section of the cam I5I is just f becoming effective to permit the side gauges to return to their respective non-gauging positions. That is, the block |69 moves clockwise under the control of the compressed springs I 54 and |56, the spring |54 moving the rod I5I from right to left and the spring |55 moving the rod |52 from left to right.

In accordance with the invention, one of the gauge rollers |48 should be locked so as to be incapable of movement laterally of the sheet* feeding mechanism while the other gauge roller |48 should be capable of movement in such lateral direction against the action of the associated spring |43. When the lock nuts |44 are spaced from the respective sleeve nuts |40, Fig. 7a, both gauge rollers |48 are freely movable laterally of the sheet-feeding mechanism against the action of the associated springs |43. In order to lock one of said gauge rollers as specified, it is necessary only to move a lock nut I 44 into engagement with the outer surface of the adjacent sleeve nut When the block |50 is positioned with respect to the frame |68 as shown in Fig. 7, the lock nut I 44 carried by the side gauge controlled by the rod |52 should be set against the outer surface of the adjacent sleeve nut |40. The associated gauging roller |48, then, becomes the "fixed roller whereas the other roller |48 is capable of yielding movement against the action of the associated spring |43.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the member |16 comprises an arcuate section I16a which, when the parts are positioned as shown in Fig. 7, is concentrically related to the roller |14. Accordingly, during initial movement in a clockwise direction of the block |59, when positioned as shown in Fig. '1, the roller |14 rides along said surface |1511 and no receding movement of the aforesaid fixed Vgauging roller I 48 occurs. However, as soon as said roller I 14 moves beyond the surface |16a, the fixed gauging roller |48 starts to recede from its gauging position.

It has been demonstrated in practice that the provision of a temporarily stationary fixed gauging roller as described immediately above, particularly when the same is associated with the other resiliently mounted gauging roller, yields highly satisfactory results as regards the alinement of the successive sheets S on their` intended path.

In Fig. 8, I have shown the block |69 in its alternate position with respect to the frame |68. As illustrated in Fig, 8, the high section of the cam |51, Fig. 4, has just completed movement of the block |69 in a counter-clockwise direction and said cam |51 is just becoming effective to permit the side gauges to return to their respective non-gauging positions.

As shown in Fig. 8, the member |15 comprises an arcuate section I15a which is concentrically related to the roller |13 and which has the same function as the above described arcuate section |160'l of the member |16. With th-e block positioned as shown in Fig. 8, the lock nut |44 carried by the side gauge controlled by the rod I5| should be set against the outer surface of the adjacent sleeve nut |40. The associated gauging roller |48, then, becomes fixed whereas the other gauging roller |48 should be movable against the action of the associated spring |43.

As Well understood in the art, a dampening medium, such as water, acidulated Water, or the like, should be applied to the plate cylinder 20Ia of the printing press as the printing operation proceeds. To this end, as shown in Figs, 1 and 12, the plate cylinder 20Ia is shown as having secured thereto a gear wheel 20| which meshes with and drives a gear wheel 202, the latter, in turn, meshing with and driving a gear wheel 203, the gear wheel 202 and gear wheel 203 being mounted on the respective shafts 204 and 205 which are journaled in any suitable manner, not shown. 'Ihe shaft 2ii5 carries a worm 2050i which meshes with and drives a Worm wheel 205 secured to and rotatable with a drive shaft 201 journaled in the manner hereinafter described.

Suitably secured, as by the bolts 203, to that side frame I3 at the left, Fig. 1, is a gear housing 209. The aforesaid shaft 201 is supported in bearing brackets 2| 0 secured to and supported by the wall structure of said gear housing 209. Secured to the drive shaft 201 for rotatable movement therewith is a gear wheel 25| meshes with and drives a gear wheel 2| 2 secured to and rotatable with a shaft 2I3, one end of which is supported in a bearing indicated at 2I4, Fig. 12a, in the aforesaid side frame I3, the other end of said shaft 2 I3 being suitably supported by a bearing, not shown, carried by the wall structure of the aforesaid gear housing 20S.

Secured to and rotatable with the shaft ZIB is an eccentric 2I5 with which coacts a roller 2I6 carried by one end of an arm 2| 1 having a hub 2I1a, Fig. 14, mounted for oscillatory movement on the hub 2I8a of another arm ZIB. This hub 2I3a is secured to and oscillatory with a tubular shaft ZIB journaled at one end in the aforesaid side frame I3 and, adjacent its other end, in a bearing bracket 22|) secured to the aforesaid wall structure of the gear housing 205. The aforesaid arm 2 I 1 is suitably biased in a clockwise direction, Fig. 12, as by a helical spring 2I5a disposed around a rod. 2mb, one end of which is pivoted to thev lower end of said arm 2I1 and the other end of which is slidable in a bearing block 2I6c upstanding from the wall structure of the gear housing 299. The spring 2| 6a under compression is` conned between the block 2I6c and a collar secured to said rod Zlb. Hence, the arm 2I1 is biased in a clockwise direction as specified.

The aforesaid arm 2I1, at the end thereof opposite the roller EIB, has fixed thereto a transverse pin 22| which supports a pawl 222 for oscillatory movement, said pawl 222 being biased in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 13, under the iniiuence of gravity. The pawl 222 carries a laterally projecting pin 223, Fig. 14, Which extends through a slot 22461 Fig. 13, formed in an arm 224 loosely pivoted on a shaft 225 journaled Vin' the aforesaid sidewall |3-and in the wall structvreo'f said gear housing' 269, this varm 224' having' formed integrally therewithV an arm 221 which, at its free end, carries a roller 228 utilizable as-hereinafter described.- Secured to the shaft 225 for'rotatable movementl therewithand at the end thereof outside of said side wall I3 is an' operating Vhandle 225, Fig; 12, with which is integrally formed an arm V229, Fig. 13,' terminating in a hook section 229a utilizable as hereinafter described.r i

' The aforesaid arm 2| 8, on the upper surface thereof. is provided with a 'transverse groove H812, this groove'beingadaptedto receive the operative end of the pawl 222.' Projecting laterally from and Vfixed to thearin 2|9 is a pin 239 with. which the aforesaid hook section-225m of the arm 229 is adapted" to coact'.4 t Y The above described tubularshaft 2|9 should be biased in a clockwise direction, Figs. 12 and M .and to this end therernay be utilized a suitable helical spring 23|, one end of which is vfastened to anY arm Y232.secured to and oscillatory with said tubular shaft'2l9, the other end of the spring 23| being fastened to the wall structure of the gear'housing 2|l9,N Fig. 12. 'Extending axially through the tubularshaft 2 i 9 is a control rod 233, Fig. 14, which, exteriorly of the aforesaid sidewall I3, carries an actuating handle 234 utilizable as hereinafter described, said handle 234 preferably carrying a manually operable screw 235, the operative endof which is adapted to engage a segment 236 secured to the adjacent surfaceof said side wall I3. The control rod'233, at its-end remote from the handle 234, has a worm `221'secured thereto for oscillatory movement therewith, this'worm 231 meshing with and operating a nut member 238 secured to a sleeve 239, the innersurface of which carries a plurality of rollers 24|)V coactable with the .wall surface of a groove 2 lea formed circumferentially in the tubular shaft 2|9.' The remote end of the control rod 233 is disposed and rotates in a cup housing 24| rWhichis bolted or otherwise suitably secured to thefwall structure of the aforesaid gear housing 299.

Mounted on the the hub 242e of a cam member 242, said hub 242a having secured thereto' an inwardly projecting key or pin 243 which rides in and is controlled by aV slot 2i9bfo`rmed spiral-fashion in said tubular shaft 2|9. Y fCoactable with vthe cam face of the cam member 242 is a roller 244 rotatable on one end of an arm 245 secured'to and oscillatory with a shaft 246 mountedin bearings carried by the wall structure of the aforesaid gear housing 299. As shown in Fig. l2, the upper end of the arm 245 has pivoted thereto a rod 241 which extends freely through a bearing block 248 carried by the wall structure of said gear housing 269. The rod 241, at its free end, may carry a nut 249 and, further, said rod 241 should be encircled by a helical spring 25|) which is maintained under compression between the aforesaid block 248 and a washer secured in fixed position on the rod 241. Accordingly, the spring 25|! biases the arm 245 in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 12.

vSecured to and oscillatory with the opposite ends of the shaft 246 are the respective upstanding, bearing supports 253 which, in a manner known to the art, serve as a bearing means for the shaft 254 of a ductor roller 255. As hereinafter described, the ductorl roller 255 is adapted tore- Cil aforesaid tubular Shaa- 2 :9 is y ceive a film ofa dampening medium from a fountain roller 255, the shaft 251 of which is rotatably supported in bearing brackets '259 suitably secured to the wall structure of said gearv housing 299, the lower surface of said fountain roller 25'? moving through the dampening medium contained in a fountain receptacle 259. As stated, the cluctor roller 255 Vreceives the dampening medium from the fountain roller 25% and the dampening medium thus received, in turn, is transferred ,to the rollers 229, 25|,these rollers being suitably supportedfor rotatable movement and the roller 23| transferring a film of said dampening medium directly to the afoesaid plate cylinder 2i] la.. v

AThe hereinbefore described shaft 291 has av bevel gear 252 secured to that end thereof opposite the worm wheel 253i. The bevel gear 2652 meshes with and drives a corresponding bevel gear 2%3 secured to and rotatable with a vertical shaft 254 mounted in a lower bearing 265 and in an upper bearing, not shown, these bearings being suitably secured to the wall structure of the gear housing 299. Secured in suitable spaced relation and rotatable with the shaft 254 are a plurality of gear wheels 255, 231', 233, these gear wheels having different diameters, respectively, and being utilizable as hereinafter described.

l'Secured in spaced bearing sleeves 259 and 219 which, in suitable manner, are carried by the wall structure of said gear housing 299 is a sleeve shaft 21|, Fig. 12a, which, at its upper end, carries a bevel gearc212 disposed in meshing relation with respect to a corresponding bevel gear 213 secured to and rotatable with the aforesaid shaft 251 forV the fountain roller 255, this shaft 251, if desirable and necessary, comprising a coupling 251er, in Fig, 12a, manually operable to permit removal of said fountain roller 259 without disturbing the gear connection 12, 13. Slidable within the sleeve shaft V21| is a control rod 214 which is formed with a vertical slot 214e through which -is' adapted to extend the nose 215e of a pawl 215pivoted in a vertical, slotted section of said control rod 214. Ashereinafter described, the'pawl V215 is adapted to lock Aany one of three gear'wheels 216, `211, 218 to the sleeve shaft 21|, these gear wheels last named, normally, being freelyzrotatable on said sleeve shaft 21| and maintained in suitablespaced relation by spacing collars as shown. The control rod' 214, atits lower end, has a grooved collar 219, Fig. 12, secured thereto for rotatable movement therewith. operatively related to this collar 219 'is 'an arm '239 secured to and oscillatory with a shaft 28| journaled in the aforesaid Y side frame I3, said shaft 28|, at itsvouterend, carrying an actuating arm 282.

The hereinbefore described shaft 254, Fig. 12a, adjacent its lowerV end, has secured thereto a pair of spaced gear wheels `293, 284. Secured interiorly of the gear housing 299, in one lower corner thereof, is a bearing bracket 295 in which a vertical shaft 226 is suitably journaled. Loose- Vly mounted in spaced relation on the shaft 229 are a pair of cam disks 281, 238. A pair of spaced `gear wheels 289 and 299 are loosely mounted :on the shaft 286 and the gear wheels last named continuously meshing with the aforesaid gear wheels 283 and284, respectively. Each of the gearwheels 239, 299 comprises a hub 29| and each hub 29|, asshown in Fig. `15, is pro- Y vided with a pawl-receiving groove 29 la. Pivoted toeach cam ,disk 231,288 isa `pawl 292 and the operative end of each p awl 2&2is adapted to engage with the adjacent groove 29Ia. Suitably secured to each cam disk 281, 288 is a leaf spring 293 and each of these leaf springs 293 coacts with the adjacent pawl 292 so as to bias the same in a direction toward the associated pawl-receiving groove 29 Ia.

As shown in Fig. 12a, the aforesaid side frame I3 is provided with a pair of inwardly-facing bearing recesses 294, 294, these recesses receiving the respective rods 295, 296 which are adapted to coact with the aforesaid pawls 292, respectively, each of said rods 295, 296 having associated therewith a helical spring 291 utilizable for biasing the respective rods 295, 296 from left to right, Fig. 12a.

Mounted for oscillatory movement in the aforesaid side frame I3 is a shaft 298 which, exteriorly of said side frame, carries an operating handle 299 having associated therewith a locking screw 300. The shaft 298, on its inner end, has secured thereto a member 30 I, provided with a pair of arcuate slots 30Ia, 30 Ia through which extend the respective rods 295, 296. Each of the rods last named comprises a flanged section 302, Fig. 15, these flanged sections 302 being utilizable for limiting movement of the respective rods 295, 296 in a direction toward the right, Fig. 12a.

The operation of the mechanism disclosed in Figs. 12, 12a, 13, 14 and 15 is as follows:

Power from the gear wheel 20I carried by the plate cylinder 20| a is transmitted through the gear wheel 202 and worm wheel 203 to the worm wheel 206 carried by the shaft 201. Accordingly, the shaft 201 rotates the shaft 264 through the mechanical connection between said shafts 201, 264 constituted by the bevel gears 262 and 263.

As hereinbefore stated, the gear wheels 266, 261 and 268 are secured to the shaft 264 for rotatable movement therewith. These gear wheels last named, during rotation of the shaft 264, continuously rotate the gear wheels 216, 211 and 218. With the arrangement shown, the gear wheels 211, 218 of the group of gear wheels last named idle on the sleeve shaft 21|. The gear wheel 216, however, is engaged by the nose 215a of pawl 215 and, therefore, said .gear wheels 216 is locked to the sleeve shaft 21I. It results, therefore, that power is transmitted from the shaft 264 to the sleeve shaft 21I by way of the gear wheels 266, 216. From the sleeve shaft 216, power is transmitted to the shaft 251 of the fountain roller 256 through the mechanical connection afforded by the bevel gears 212, 213. From a consideration of Fig. 12a, it will be obvious, due to the diametrical variation between the gear wheels 266 and 216, that the fountain roller 256 rotates at relatively slow speed.

If it becomes desirable for the fountain roller 256 to rotate at a faster speed, the operator moves the arm 282 in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 12, to thereby lower the control rod 214 and transfer the actuating nose 215a of the pawl 215 from the gear wheels 216 to the gear wheel 211. With this arrangement, power is transmitted from the shaft 264 to the sleeve shaft 216 through the gear wheels 261, 211.

In case it becomes desirable for the fountain roller 256 to rotate at a still faster speed, the operator moves the arm 282 further in a counterclockwise direction, Fig. 12, to thereby again lower the control rod 214 and moves the nose 215a of the pawl 215 from the gear wheel 211 to the gear wheel 218. With this arrangement, power is transmitted from the shaft 264 to the The gear wheel 2| I, which rotates continuously under the control of the shaft 201, effects rotation of the gear wheel 2 I2 and the latter, in turn, rotates the eccentric 2I5. Therefore, the arm 2I1 is oscillated continuously by engagement of the eccentric 2 I5 with the roller 2 I 6.

The pawl 222, which is carried by the arm 2I1, has the end thereof seated in the groove 2I8b of the arm 2I8. Inasmuch as the hub 2I8a of said arm 2I8 is keyed to the tubular shaft 2I9, it results that the above noted oscillation of the arm 2I1 causes said tubular shaft 2| 9 to move in -a rotatable manner rst in one direction and then in the other. The hub 242a of the cam member 242 is secured to the tubular shaft 2I9 by the key 243. Hence, the described oscillation of the tubular shaft 2I9 effect oscillatory4 movement of the cam member 242 in the directions indicated by the arrow, Fig. 12.

The cam member 242 comprises a low section 242e and a high section 24211. When the roller 244 carried by the lower end of the arm 245 is in engagement with the low section 242C of said cam member 242, the spring 258 holds the ductor roller 255 in engagement with the roller 260. When said roller 244 is in engagement with the high section 24207.l of said cam member 242, the ductor roller 255 is held in engagement with the fountain roller 256 against the force of the spring 250.

From the foregoing, it follows that oscillation ofthe cam member 242 produces oscillation of the ductor roller 255 which rst engages the fountain roller 256 and then engages the roller 260. v

As the parts are shown on the drawings, the arrangement is such that the high section 242d of the cam member 242 is effective for a relatively long period to hold the ductor roller 255 in engagement with the fountain roller 256. In case it becomes desirable to shorten the period while these two rollers are in engagement, the operator moves the handle 234 from right to left, Fig. 12, and then actuates the screw 235 to lock the same in a desired position. In so doing, by the described mechanical connection shown in Fig. 14, the tubular shaft 2 I9 is moved from right to left, Fig. 14, and, by the wall surface of the slot 2I9b, the cam member 242 is moved to a desired degree in a clockwise direction, Fig. 12. Accordingly, during continued operation of said cam member 242, the roller 255 dwells for a desired shorter period on the fountain roller 256 and for a longer period on the roller 260.

In case it becomes desirable to hold the ductor roller 255 permanently in engagement with the roller 260, the operator applies pressure to the handle 226 in a clockwise direction, Fig. 12, whereby the arm 229 is moved in the same direction, Figs. 12 and 13. Accordingly, the next time that the arm 2I8 reaches its position at the right,

sleeve shaft 261 through the gear wheels 268, 218.

Fig. 13, the pressure thus applied to the handle 226 causes the hook section 226a to clear the pin 230. Therefore, the arm 229 rises to its full eX- tent and, in so doing, engages the pin 223 which is carried by the pawl 222. In this manner, the pawl 222 is disengaged from the arm 2I8 and the cam member 242 remains in its position at the right, Fig. 1'2. Under these circumstances, the spring 250 holds the ductor roller 255 against the roller 260.

When it becomes desirable to resume oscillation of the roller 255, the handle 226 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 12, to permit the pawl 222 to resume operative relation with the arm 2I8. As a result, oscillation of the tubular shaft 2 I9 and the cam member 242 is resumed.

The hereinbeforejdescribed shaft 26114 rotates continuously during operation of the printing press P and, by the gear kwheels 283 and 284, produces continuous rotative movement of the re` spective gear wheels` V289, 2,99, which, 'as stated, are loose on the shaft 285. With the handle 299 in the position shown, Fig. 12, the rods 295, 296. are'held by the respective springs 291 in their advanced positions toward the right, Fig. 12a. When thus positioned, the rods 295, 296 engage the respective pawls 292 and hold them, against the action of the associated springs 293, in such position that they do not engage the respective pawl-receiving grooves 2916!.. Accordingly, when said handle, 299 is positioned as shown in Fig. 12', the cam disks 2.81, 288 remain stationaryduring rotation of the shaft 264'.

If the handle 299 is swung in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 12,'approximately one-half of its arc of movement, theupper slot 39111 ofthe member 301 Ycoacts with the rod 295 to move the sarnefrom right to left, Fig. 12a. Inso doing, the associated pawl 292 is released to thereby connect the cam disk 281'to the rotatinggear wheel 289.

VThe diametrical relation of the gear wheels 283', 289, is such, for example, that the gear wheel 283 rotates twice through an angle of 360' degrees while the gear wheel 289`is rotating once through an angle of 360 degrees.V Furthermore, the gear trains includedV in the driving connection for the i shaft 294' are of such character that said shaft 264 rotates through an angle of 360 degrees during one complete cycle of the printing press P. Accordingly, it follows that the cam disk 281 rotates through an angle of 360 degrees during two cyclesof said printing press P.

When the cam disk 281 is actuated to rotate as -described above, the high section thereof shown in Fig.' 15 engages the'roller 228 to thereby swing the arms 2211, 221V in a clockwise direction, Figs; 12,and13.. Accordingly, by the pin 223, the pawl 2,22 is elevated and disengaged from the arm 218-; When .this happens, theY spring 250, acting through the described mechanism, becomes effective toswing the ductor .roller 255 in a counter- 'clockwisedirectiom Fig. 12, and holdthe same against the adjacentroller 260.- l

' As' ,oscillatory movement of Vthe pawl 222n continues under the controll of the arm 211, the aforesaid high section `of .the cam disk 281 remains in engagement with the roller 228; YAccordingly, the rst time that the pawl 222 again comesinto coinciding relation with'the groove 21819 ofthek arm 218, the end of saidpawl 222is retained in its elevated position and, as a result, the ductor roller 255`rernains in engagement with vtheroller 260. However, the secondV timethat the endof the pawl222 comes into coinciding relationwith said groove 218D of the arm 2I8,.the cam disk 281 has rotated tosuch eXtent-thatthe low sectionthere- Yof is in engagement with the roller 2'28. Accordingly,V the arms22`4, 221 are free to assume the position thereof shown inY Fig. 13 and such position is taken Ywhen saidpawl 222 comes into the position last described, the end of the pawl=222 dropping into said groove 2181: at thistime.

When this happens, the ductor roller 255 is caused to retreat from the roller 260, move into engagement wifth'the fountain roller 25S' and then retreat from the latter. .Assuming that the handle 299" remains, inv the positionV vlast described, -the'high section ofthe cam disk 281, duringcon- 'tinued operation Vof the' printing. press, againA engages theroller 228 and theV operation described maar above is repeated. In this manner, the ductor rol1er'255 is caused to engagethe roller 269m the normal manner as described Aabove under the -control of cam member 242 and, in addition, to remain in engagement therewith during one com.- plete cycle of the printing press P. Y

If the handle 299 is swung in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 1,2, to the full extent oi"v its arc of movement, the upper slot 39121 of the member 391, by reason of the curvature of said slot Silla, releases the rod 295 so that` the same moves from left to right, Fig; 12a, under the con-Y trol of its associated spring 291. As a result, the associatedv pawl 292 is engaged` by said rod 295 to thereby cause the cam disk 281 to .bedisconnected from the rotating gear wheel 89.4 As` an added result of the last described movement of handle 299, the lower slot 9910, of the member 3111V coacts with the rod 299 to move the same fromright toV left, Fig. 12a. In so doing, theassociated pawl 292 is released to thereby connect the vcam disk 288 to the rotatingrgear wheel 290.

The diametric'al relation of the gear wheels 284, 299 is such, for example, that the gear wheel 284 rotates three times through an angle of 360. degrees while the gear wheel 299 is rotating once `through anY angle of` 360' degrees. Accordingly, it follows that the cam disk 283 rotatesthrough .an angleof 360 degrees during three. cycles of said printing press P.

When the cam disk 288 is actuated to rotate as describedr above, the high section 2880. thereof shown in Fig. 15 engages the roller 228 to thereby swing' .the arms 2211, 221 in a clockwise direction, Figs. 12 and 13. Accordingly,-in the manner hereinbefore described, the spring 259 becomes effectivetoswing the ductor roller 255m a counter-clockwise direction, Fig, 12, and hold the same against the adjacent roller 289. The ductor roller 255 remains in the position last described during two cycles of 'oscillatory movement of the pawl 222.because, in this instance, the highsection 288a of the cam disk 288, which is substantially longer than the high section of the cam disk 281,` prevents the end of the pawl 222 from engaging thegroove 218D of the arm 218. However, the thirdtime that the end of the pawl 2221 is in coinciding relation with said groove 21811 of the arm 218, Vthe cam disk 288has. rotated to such. extent that .the low section thereof is in engagement with the vroller 228. Accordingly., the arms 224,2211are free to assume the position thereofshown in Fig. 13 and such position is taken when said -pawl 222v comesinto the position last described, the end of the pawl 222 dropping into said groove 21827 at this time.

When this happens, the ductor roller 255 is caused toretr'eat' from Vthe roller 2611, move into engagement with the .fountain roller 256 andthen retreat from the latter. 4Assuming that the handle V299- remains in the position last described, the high section288a of the cam disk 289, during continued .operation ofthe printingv press, again engages the roller 223 and the operation described above is repeated; InA this manner, the ductor roller 255 .iscaused to engage theroller 259' in the normal manner'as described above under the controlv of cam member 242 and, in addition, to' remain. in engagement therewith during .two complete cycles of the printing press?.

In view of theforegoin'g, it follows .that the operatonby the simple actr of Vmanually moving either once or twice as desired. A control of this character is highly desirable in connection with the application of the dampening medium to the printing press assembly.

It shall be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the precise arrangement described above. Obviously, the number of times which the ductor roller 255 skips engagement with the fountain roller 253 may be varied as desired and, furthermore, it will be understood that the control effected by the cam disks 281, 283 need not be timed precisely with the operation of the printing press.

Side gauge mechanism of the character hereinbefore disclosed yelds satisfactory results. However, in accordance with the invention, I have devised side guage mechanism of a preferred modied type and the same is illustrated in Figs. and 1l wherein a horizontal structure 3IU is shown as extending transversely between the aforesaid side frames I3, said structure 3l!) being secured to said side frames I3 in any suitable manner, not shown. This structure 3|, at the side thereof adjacent the printing cylinders, comprises an upper track member 3 I 9a extending entirely across the machine. The structure 3|9, at the side thereof removed from said printing cylinders and adjacent the respective side frames I3, comprises a plurality of upwardly extending supports 3|0b to which, as by the bolts 3| I, the respective track members 3|2 are secured, each track member 3|2 terminating adjacent a side frame |3 and extending only part way across the machine.

Adjacent each side of the machine, the aforesaid track member Silla and the associated track member 3I2 slidably support a structure 3I3. In accordance with the invention, the structures 3|3 are adjustable toward or from each other along their respective ltrack members and, to this end, e-ach of said structures 3I3 may be provided with an internally threaded, horizontal passage 3|3a into which is threaded a lead screw 3 I 4, each lead screw 3 i4 extending through and being journaled in the adjacent side frame I3 and, exteriorly of the latter, carrying a hand wheel 3|5.

Referring to Fig. 10, the hereinbefore described shaft 8, exteriorly of the adjacent side frame I, is sho-wn as having a bevel gear 3 I 6 secured thereto for rotatable movement therewith, this bevel gear meshing with and driving a bevel gear 3I1 secured to and rotatable with one end of a shaft 3| 8 journaled in a bearing 3|9 secured to and projecting from the exterior surface of the adjacent side frame I, said shaft 3| 8 having another bearing, not shown, secured to and projecting from the adjacent side frame I3. The shaft 3|-8, at its end removed from the bevel gear 3I1, has secured thereto 4a worm Wheel 320 which meshes with and drives a worm wheel 32| secured to and rotatable with a horizontal shaft 322 journaled in bearings for-med by the aforesaid side frames I3 and in a bearing 323 upstanding from the aforesaid structure 3|0 at the mid-section thereof. The shaft 322, a't `opposite sides of the bearing 323, is .provided with a series of longitudinally extending slots 322a which terminate adjacent said bearing 323. By virtue of these slots 322a, the shaft 322 is splined to a pair of spaced worm wheels 324 disposed, respectively, in the structures 3|0. Each worm Wheel 324 is rotatable in a chamber formed in the structure 3 I 3, such chamber being defined, in part, by the thrust bearings 325.

Each worm wheel 324 meshes with and drives a worm wheel 326 carried by and rotatable with a vertical shaft 321, these shafts 321 having upper and lower needle bearings in the respective structures 3 I 3.

That Ver-tical shaft 321 ait the right, Figs. l0 and 11, has secured thereto for rotatable movement therewith the .hub 328a o-f a disk 328 which, on its lower surface, is provided with a do-wnwardly facing eccentric channel 3281 adapted to receive a ring 329 of corresponding eccentric shape. After the eccentric ring 329 has been positioned in its channel 328D as shown in Fig. 11, .a circular guide ring 339 is disposed `around the outer surface of said ring 329 lan-d suitably retained thereto, as by friction between the interengaging surfaces. Thereafter, a lower guide ring 33| is placed in position as shown and, by bolts 332, or equivalen-t, the .disk 328, the ring 329 and the ring 33| are retained in assembled relation. As shown in Fig. 1'1, the rings 329, 33| are so formed that .the respective outer surfaces thereof are flared in opposite directions. In addition, these rings 329, 33| are so spaced that the sheets S, as they pass toward the printing zone, may freely engage Ithe outer surface of .the ring 32'9.

That vertical shaft 321 at the left, Figs. 10 and 11, has secured thereto for rotatable movement therewith a collar 333 which comprises av pair of oppositely facing stems 333a disposed transversely of the machine. Slidably associated with these pin supports 333a is the hub 3340i of a disk 334 which, on its lower surface, is provided with a downwardly facing eccentric channel 33417 adapted to receive a ring 335 of corresponding eccentric shape. After .the ring 335 has been positioned in its channel 334D, a circular guide ring 336 is disposed around the outer surface of said ring 335 and suitably retained thereto, as by friction between the interengaging surf-aces. Thereafter, .a lower guide ring 331 is placed in position as shown and, by bolts 338, or equivalent, the disk 334, the ring 335 and the ring 331 are retained in assembled relation.

The spacing between the rings 339, 331 should correspond with the spacing between the hereinbefore described rings 330, 33| and, further, the ring 331 should be recessed around the upper part of the 'struc-ture 3||l as indicated a't 33111 so as to permit movement transversely of the machine `of the disk 334 and associated parts as hereinafter more fully described.

The above described hub 334a of the disk 334 is maintained in operative relation with respect to the stems 333e by a cover plate 339 which, by :screws 340, is secured to said hub 3340i. It will be understood, therefore, that the passages which slidably receive the respective stems 333a are defined by surfaces of 4the hub 33411 and the cover plate 339.

The aforesaid hub 334a comprises an upstanding standard 3331) and .the cover plate 339 likewise comprises an upstanding standard 335m, these standards being disposed i-n alinement transversely of th-e machine and the standard 339a carrying a horizontally disposed bearing sleeve 34|. A rod 342 pivoted to Ithe standard 3331)' is slidably received in the sleeve 34| and the free end of said rod 342 carries a nut 343 coactable with the yen-d of said sleeve 34|. Carried by the rod 342 is a helical spring 344 which bia-ses the hub 334a .and the parts carried thereby in a direction from lef-t *to right, Fig. 1*.1.

Preferably, in accordance with the invention, each eof the aforesaid structures 3| 3 comprises a `L15-#shaped extension 3`l3b, theseertensions 3l`3gb projecting iin opposite-directions towarddthe 'respectivefside frames |.3,.Fig. 1=0gland overlying the respective sets of track members 3I0a, 31.2.; As shownr'particularly in Fig.` 111.,v .a member 3:45 is disposed .beneathA they cross-section offea-ch U- eXtensi-on 3.1311 and each of the. members 345 has fixed thereto'. a bolt -346 which .extends upwardly between the adjacent track members 3 Illa,

, 3.112. .andi through said. U-extension cross-section abovefwhich said. bo1t346icarries a nut 341.

As indicated. in. Fig.. 10,v it. is desirablefor. that leadlscrew 3ll4z at the-left to have secured. thereto.-.a disk 348iv .bearing suitableV` scale` marks. with which coact a pointer .3491 suitably.I secured to theladjacent side frame Thev operation. of thessi'deV Vgauge mechanism illustra-ted. inFigs.. 10,11 andy 1101,` is as follows: The power obtained from' the shaft 8 by way of the bevel. gears3il6, 3ft] effectsrotation. of. the shaft. v3I8:` which). by the; worm wheels 320 and .321, produces rotation" of the shaft A322'. The Worm wheels'324: are rotated by the shaft 32.2v and said .wormwheels 3242, in turn; rotate the respective Worm wheels. 326..by' which the vertical shafts .32.1 are' rotated, respectively.

-That shaft 32.1v at the right", Fig.. 11, effects rotation irr a. counter-clockwiseidirectiom Fig. 10, of. the disk..328 and?` the members secured' thereto ashereinbefore described'. 'Ihat shaft 321 at the left, Figjll, effects rotation inza clockwise direction,. Fig. off the. disk 334 and the members securedthereto .asf hereihbefore described;

ThefsideV gauge mechanism is shown in Fig. 10 in: normal gauging relation. That is, the gauging -section 32E-ia.' of theY eccentric ringv 329 and the gaugingv section 3351i.' of the eccentric ring 335 face' each other.;A As the shaft `32'2 rotates, these rings 32S)A and 335 rotate in unison and* adjust the position. of theisheets S- laterally of the ma'- chinein the manner hereinafter described. The .timing-1 is such that .the -rings. 329 335 rotate through an angle of 360degrees'each. time that 'the' sheet-feeding mechanism' feeds a sheet S With the. parts positionedf as shown in Fig. 10 andfwith the nuts '241 loosened, the operator may adjust. the hand wheels 315` to move the structures 3:13". either'toward or from each other along. the respective set's' of Atrack members 3 l lla., 312. In so doing', theaforesaid:gaugingsections 329er', 3:35a.. are spaced apart 'a' distance corresponding' withY thewidth4 of the sheets S to be fedto the printing press P by the sheet-feeding mechanism.V i

. Having. Vestablished the approximate adjustmentjust described; thev operator may rotate the nut 'i343 Vto move the disk 334 and the therebycarried ring 335 a small distance either toward or from' the ring 329; In this mannen'the-gauging sections 325m, 3350,V` may be spaced apart a .distance corresponding, exactlywith the width of the sheets S` tofbe fed to the printing press P. When'this has beendone, the nuts341' are tightened to positively retain the side gauges in their properadjusted positions; l Y

After the Vadjustment last described` has been effected, the disclosed mechanism. may be placed .inoperation. .tofeed the .sheets S in succession vfrom. the stackthereoff tothe printing press P vAseach .sheet S'passesal'ong the slats Ill IV under the control of. the" fingers 96, the. ,forwardl edge thereoffapproa'ches thetwo side gauges disclosed in .'Fig's. ,10.. and- 111..,1f, any sheet Slis displaced to 'one side or the other laterallyof path therefor, the' side of that sheetr comes'into engagement either with the rotating ring 329Ior with' theV rotating .ring 335. VAs a result, said sheet, at least at its Vforward edge, is shifted sidewise onto the course which it is to take as it passes into engagement with the` printing cylinders. As movement of the sheet continues, the gauging sections 329m 335er take the position illustrated in Fig. 10 whereby the entire area of the sheet is centered onto its intended course. It will be noted that the spring 344 biases the disk 336i toward the right, Fig. 11. This spring 344, therefore, serves as a resilient mounting for the side gauge at the left, Figs. 10 and 11, so that the same may yield slightly under the impulse of the sheet S being gauged, if that becomes necessary.

Side gauge mechanism of the character discussed above is of special value in high speed operation. The gauging action is effected by a rolling contact between the gauging rings and the sheet This is superior to the impact gaugf ing effected by reciprocating gauges which, when operated at high speed, are apt to bounce the sheet. Further, side gauge mechanism of the character disclosed in Figs. 10 and 11 is simple toconstruct, operate and repair if that becomes necessary.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the utilization of the hereinbefore described magnetic rollers H2 requires the sheets S to be formed of suitable magnetic material, such as iron. However, the invention is not to be thus limited because, for any type of sheets S, whether formed from magnetic or non-magnetic material, it shall be understood that the herein disclosed magnetic rollers I i2 and associated iingers H9 may be omitted and that there may be substituted therefor any other equivalent feeding mechanism such, for example, as of the character disclosed in Recht application Serial No. 151,090, led June 30, 1937, for feeding sheets to the reciprocating mechanism by which they are advanced to the coating rollers.

Although the feeding mechanism comprising the chains 58, 58a andy associated apparatus has been Ydescribed as Yutilizable forvfeeding sheets of materialto a printing press, it shallbe understood'that the invention is not tobe thuslimifted. Thus. forexample, such feeding mechanism may beutilized, for example, lto feed sheets of material to al coating machinefsuch as disclosed in myl pending application Serial No. 138,512, filed April 23, 1937- V Y y A `In the Yappended claims, IV have referred tothe endless chains which are utilizable for-feeding sheets of-Nmaterialrtoward the cylindervassembly. It shallbe understood that these references in the claims toendless chains are-"toV be construed. as4 ge1l1i-cally4 descriptive of chains of known,Yconstruction aswell as other Aecuiivalent flexible structures of the endlessA type. g

` While .the invention has beenY described with respect. tocertain particular Vpreferred examples .which give: satisfactory -results,.it will be under- .-stoodwby thoseskilled.inthe-'art after underfronifth'e spiritfandi scope Vofjfthe invention' andV itisintended thereforeu in vthe appended claims the proper 1.. Mechanism for feedihg: sheets toward. 'an 

